Community feedback now open on draft Annual Plan

The Canterbury Regional Council's draft Annual Plan 2023/24 can now be viewed, with feedback open until 3 April.

The plan sets out how much we will need in rates from the region's ratepayers. It also details what work is planned during the 2023/24 financial year.

A proposed 10 per cent increase in revenue from rates is proposed in the plan, compared to the current year. This is the increase in total income from all the rates we collect — the actual amount each property pays will vary depending on where you live and the value of your property.

Environment Canterbury Chair Peter Scott said there are obviously different views within the community. "Some want us to do more, faster, while many want us to slow our work programmes due to affordability concerns."

Chair Scott urged people to read the plan and provide any feedback they may have about what we have planned.

"We all want to protect our greatest taonga, our environment, but we must carefully manage the balance between completing the job expected of us, while also making sure the work is affordable and can be paid for. This means we need to balance affordability with action. It's a fine line and one we need to walk carefully."

Chair Scott said there is a lot of work to do and this represents a considerable collective investment by our community across a wide range of projects — from flood protection to public transport. "We want to know if you think we're on the right track or where we could make changes."

Find out more about the draft Annual Plan 2023/24 and give us your feedback.

The engagement period will end on 3 April.

Further information